March 21, 2011
Launching Your New Business

 

By Anne Leedom
www.teenpalz.com


You are excited...you have a great new service and you are ready to start putting it all together and make it work. However, when it comes to really putting all the pieces in place you aren't completely certain on how to start. So let's take a look at some of the most common mistakes people make and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Work with people who have a proven track record. All too often we want to work with friends or referrals and in many cases that means two things. You will be working with people who will not charge you huge fees, as they are 'helping you", and you will often be working with people who don't know your product, market and specific demographic to get you where you want to be. Invest the time and money to find at least a few people who have the track record and expertise to make the process as painless as possible.
2. This isn't a team sport. When you involve other people in your project you need to be comfortable in the role of the boss. You have to make the hard choices and be comfortable calling the shots. It's great to get other people's input and expertise, but ultimately if you are in charge, you need to be in charge. People rely on your confidence and belief in your product or service and that strength is what will propel you toward your ultimate goal.
3. Be willing to change directions. You can have a great road trip mapped out, but when the blizzard hits, only fools forge ahead through certain death. It might sting a little, but a shift in direction might make the difference between the success of at least part of your dream or the death of all of it.
4. Celebrate small victories. You have worked hard. You probably haven't slept much and you have sacrificed in many ways to push toward your dream. When you accomplish even a small victory, take a break and breathe in the moment. Connecting to the success you achieve along the way is just as important as reveling in the big sense of accomplishment once you achieve your ultimate goal. You may or may not get there, but enjoying the journey is just as vital as enjoying the final reward.
5. Keep your perspective. It's all about balance after all. Having a dream, fighting for it and seeing it through are rare and valuable traits. However, knowing when to turn it off, take a break or possibly even abandon the concept for a period of time may all be part of the bigger picture of the journey you are on. I've learned the hard way that no matter how much we may want something in this life, its ultimately not always up to us. So do your best, give it your all, then step back and late fate take its course. You always want to be on top of your project...don't let it get the best of you.

Anne Leedom is the Founder of TeenPalz.com and Parentingbookmark.com. She is frequently quoted in national parenting and business publications. She lives in Northern California with her two daughters. For more information visit www.teenpalz.com. Permission granted for use on DrLaura.com.

 

Posted by Staff at 11:30 PM